Another Groundhog’s Day Card

Presenting my second Groundhog’s Day card, because Christmas cards are overrated. Last year got busy due to Phil's call for 6 more weeks of winter. I respected his decision, spending my time skiing in Utah. It felt only fair after his tireless and accurate predictions of powder days. So, here's a 2-for-1 deal, recapping the last two years in this one post.

I feel like your 20’s should be on a different measurement of time anyways, similar to dog years. But I don’t know what the correct time reference should be because it feels as if time is moving painfully slow and incredibly fast all at once.

2022 and 2023 were insane but I’ll do my best to call out the highlights, starring both the blockbuster hits and the bloopers:

  • Learned lots about diesel engines and trailers. I would like to say my trailer reversing skills will improve in 2024 but I need to have realistic goals. There is no need to set myself up for disappointment.

  • Traveled to nine countries, experiencing everything from the German’s love for beer to the beauty of Switzerland. Learned to let Italians lead in cheek kiss greetings; don't make my mistake and lean the wrong way. The Irish celebrate even mundane events. The French do not mess around especially when it comes to UV rays or croissants. Paris Fashion Week: chiseled jawlines everywhere. Australia and New Zealand know how to host a Women’s World Cup. England, your weather is rubbish. PSA: Don't agree to pay Welsh Uber drivers in cash on payday. ATMs resembled my post-travel bank account.

  • Confirmed Home Depot is still the worst place on the planet but I can now navigate it with ease. I have a note page with my rankings of Home Depot’s across the country from the last two years incase anyone wants that data. It’s rated on a scale from dreadful to appalling.

  • Goodbyes never get easier, but hellos after time away almost make it worthwhile. 

  • Dogs make office days better. Coworkers make work trips more fun. Two wheels are better than four.

  • Adulting is dumb. Contact the IRS or visit your local DMV for more info.

  • Grateful for calling Northern California home in 2022. The rumors are true… Cali is expensive and beautiful. Unfortunately, all the economic books I own were stacked and used to balance out the missing leg on our living room’s $700 couch. In a way, our couch symbolized the essence of life in California…turning setbacks. into unique solutions. In order to offset the cost of living and to better accommodate my travel schedule, I spent 9 months being a nomad in 2023. Thank you to all those who housed me or my things! (Mom if you are reading this… I promise to never describe 14 moving boxes as “a few” again)

Starting 2024 off in Southern California and excited to see what is to come. Selfishly, I asked Phil to not extend winter; skiing FOMO is real. Will he listen? Hard to say; he's a rodent, after all. Yet, we trust him with the weather.

may your shadows always be in your favor,

Erin and Punxsutawney Phil

Erin Lynch